As much as we all wish to have a carefree life, there are going to be events that change our lives forever. Change is inevitable, nothing stays the same. Sometimes unexpected and unpleasant things happen.

Our whole lives may be called on to be changed and re-organized. A big move, a divorce, or even the death of a loved one and all of a sudden we feel overwhelmed, upside down, even lost for a while. How is it we can cope? How is it we can organize ourselves again?

First remember that given time, all things pass. Feelings of overwhelm, grief, fear or confusion may come and it’s ok to let yourself wallow in them and take time to rest, re-evaluate and re-group. Give yourself time to accept things and to work on what must be done. As it has been said ‘Rome was not built in a day.’

Why do I talk about this today, you may wonder? Why this angle on the topic of letting go, change and about overcoming it?

It is because I recently have experienced a huge loss and some life changes, and have had to take time to care for myself and still get things done. I have a great support system of friends and family for which I am happy. It is my hope in sharing my thoughts and experiences on this that I may help others in dealing with change. Perhaps I can offer an interesting perspective on how we can let go, move forward, accept what comes our way and work to make our lives better in the moment.

My season of change began on September 9th. This day found me with my mother as she lay in the hospital. My mother was not to leave the care of her doctors and nurses from then on. Onwards till October 12th, the day she passed away, it was my brother and I that came to see her everyday to comfort her and share in her last moments. Indeed the biggest loss I have ever felt was the loss of my mother.

Yet all is not lost. Good things are still here and there is more around the corner. For everything lost, there is something that can be gained, if we choose to.

We gain an understanding that life is temporary. In light of this understanding, the possessions we accumulate seem less important. ‘Does what we own add to our life and happiness right now?’ could be a question we ask ourselves. We can also ask ourselves about what we want in life and whether our actions are inline with our higher principals and life goals.

We can turn our attention to what is important and good in our lives today. We can plan for the future, yet we must live for the moment. Are we holding on to things because we fear we won’t be successful enough to acquire what we need, when we need it in the future? What do we stand to gain by letting go of something else, such as more time, more space, more energy or piece of mind?

There is always going to be new things, new adventures and new life in the world. If it were not for change and for the passing on of old things we could not grow, we would not even be here to discuss the matter, as we would have never evolved in the first place. We can keep this is mind, yet we should not be wasteful in our handling of what we have now.

For me, the loss of my mother has brought me much closer to my brother, whom I love. It has reinforced my belief that life is precious and we should work to make it enjoyable and in the service of our fellow man. It has inspired me also to share the idea that we should live with gratitude in our hearts and give thanks for the food and joy of living. That like the ‘Serenity Prayer’ suggests, we should accept what we can not change, and change what we can.And in living in this way, when our time comes we won’t wish that we had lived our lives differently and rather we will feel triumphant.Michelle

Thanks Mom, for all you gave us.

Need help organizing? Michelle serves the Carleton Place, Lanark County and Ottawa areas.